Muskegon's Ronald Johnson achieved his dream Friday night of playing in an NFL game.

It might have only been a preseason game, but "RoJo" showed on a 23-yard punt return that he might have what it takes to make the San Francisco 49ers' regular-season roster.

Johnson, a sixth-round draft pick out of Southern California, did not catch a pass from his wide receiver position, but his punt return was one of the highlights in San Francisco's 24-3 loss at New Orleans in the preseason opener for both teams.

Johnson, a former star at Muskegon High and Southern California, wears the same No. 88 he wore during his final season at USC. He was targeted seven times by the 49ers' quarterbacks, but he finished with no catches.

The 5-foot-11, 199-pound Johnson is a backup receiver for the 49ers who is battling to make the regular-season roster. His skills as a punt returner give him an edge in that regard.

Johnson is not the only local player currently trying to secure an NFL roster spot.

Herremans, a 6-6, 321-pound guard, is in his seventh NFL season out of Saginaw Valley. The starting left guard for the Philadelphia Eagles is signed through the 2013 season.

Berger, a 6-5, 311-pound center out of Michigan Tech, is also in his seventh NFL season. He starting 14 games last season at center for the Miami Dolphins. He is currently second on the team's depth chart at center behind Mike Pouncey.

Ruvell Martin, a 6-4, 220-pound wide receiver who played at Muskegon Catholic and Saginaw Valley, played last season for the Seattle Seahawks and is currently an unrestricted free agent.

Martin has played six NFL seasons for four different teams, recording seven career TD receptions and more than 1,000 career receiving yards.

Terrance Taylor, a 6-0, 319-pound noseguard who starred at Muskegon High and the University of Michigan, is searching for an NFL opportunity. He played arena football this past season in Spokane and Pittsburgh.